The best deals on car rental in Australia, compare top brands

Australia is a very big place. The jury is still mostly out on whether it’s considered a continent or an island, but however you like to frame it, there’s a lot there and so much to see when you pick up an Australia airport car rental. From the urban east coast to the wild west, this country has a huge variety of landscapes, myriad interesting destinations and no end of wide open spaces. Both world-class cities and natural delights like you’ve never seen before mean that Australia has something to please all comers.

When this combines with a great highway network and good travel infrastructure, the enormous range of assets makes the Land Down Under the ideal place to rent a car and explore. The wilderness of Tasmania awaits... Or the emptiness of the Outback, the beauty of the Southwest, the tropical heat of Northern Queensland. An Australian car hire opens up so many possibilities!

Airport Rentals: The first choice for car rentals in Australia

If you are looking to plan a holiday or trip which includes car rental from an Australian airport, you are in the right place. That’s our specialty here at Airport Rentals, and our simple search engine will serve up many options from a spectrum of car rental suppliers, local and international both.

Your time is better spent planning an itinerary and dreaming of Aussie beaches than scouring the internet for the best car rental deal. Airport Rentals gathers them all together in one place, including special offers and any deals our team can negotiate. Just enter the locations, dates and a few more details of your travel plans, narrow the search with the handy filters, and you’ll find the perfect vehicle to take you away on an Australia car rental adventure.

Airport rentals around Australia

Wherever you’re heading to in this vast country, big city or rural centre, we have you covered. These are just a few of the top locations around the country:

● Sydney Airport car rental- This bustling and modern world city is great for an urban break, or a handy place to begin a road trip.

● Adelaide Airport car hire - South Australias coastal capital. A cosmopolitan centre with great art, museums, and incredible food and wine. Those looking for culture and class will fall in love with this hip centre.

● Launceston Airport car hire - Tasmanias secondlargest city and a cultural hub for nature, food and wine and country charm. The nearby Cataract Gorge is a must visit when in the area - an incredible natural attraction.

Australia road rules

Driving in Australia shouldn’t be a daunting prospect - you will just need to familiarise yourself with the basic road rules. These are quite logical and many are ubiquitous worldwide - don’t drink and drive, don’t use a cellphone while driving, always stop at red lights and stick to the posted speed limits.

For more in-depth rules and quirks of Australian driving, take a look at our Australia driving guide. It’s a great idea to familiarise yourself with the ways of the road in any particular country before you get there.

Australia driving tips

For a quick rundown, here are our top five tips for hitting the road in Australia with a car hire:

● Remember to drive on the left! The vast majority of vehicles seat drivers on the right, which makes this much easier to remember.
● Speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour, and distances in kilometres.
● Watch out for wild animals on rural roads. Kangaroos especially are a hazard, as hitting one can do a lot of damage to the car hire.
● The nationwide emergency number is 000.
● Road rules, as with other laws, can vary slightly between states and territories, so be aware of this.

Drive Australia: a driving guide for visitors to Oz

Australia is a vast country, possessing a huge variety of landscapes, wildlife, people and cultures. Some say it is an island, others call it a continent. However you wish to label it, it is more than 7 million square kilometres of things to see and do. A car hire is the best way to get around Australia and take it all in, and Airport Rentals is here to make that easy- not only by tracking down the best car rental for your holiday, but providing you with all the advice you could need for a safe and easy journey on Aussie roads.

Before we begin, here are our top five quick tips to keep you safe:

● Drive on the left and overtake on the right!
● Stick closely to speed limits and don’t drink and drive.
● Prepare yourself well for any driving in the Outback.
● Make sure you pay any tolls online.
● Always carry a cellphone. 000 is the nationwide emergency number.

Road Rules

Some visitors to Australia do not realise that the country is divided into states and territories, each of which has its own laws- and this extends to rules of the road. There is an official version of the Australian Road Rules published on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments website, but they have no legislative force of their own except where copied into state and territory laws. In most cases, they have been copied directly- but to quote Jack Sparrow, the official version is more what you’d call guidelines.

The first and foremost thing to remember when you hit the roads in Australia? Stay left!

Licencing

Foreign licences, if written in English, can be used in Australia for up to three months. If your licence is not in English, you will need an International Driving Permit issued by your home country.

Speed and other limits

All drivers must stick to the speed limits, which are posted in kilometres per hour. Limits apply from where the sign is placed until the end of the road, an end speed-limit sign or a different speed limit sign. The standard speed-limit sign is a white circle edged in red with black numbers. Limits in school zones are always 40 kilometres per hour. If you cannot see a sign and do not know how fast to go, the defaults are 50 kilometres per hour for built-up areas and 100 for open roads.

Blood alcohol limits for drivers vary from state to state, and the recommendation is that you drink nothing when you are intending to drive. The maximum nationwide is 0.05%, with lower limits for various categories like learner drivers, heavy vehicles and motorcyclists.

Giving Way

Intersections may be controlled with traffic lights, stop signs and give way signs, or may be uncontrolled. Here is a basic outline of the rules for navigating intersections:

Traffic lights operate on a system whereby green means go, red means stop and yellow means stop if possible. Coloured arrows will indicate where you are able to turn (no arrow means follow the directions given by the main light), and some intersections display signs to say “left turn on red permitted after stopping.” A flashing yellow light or arrow means that you may proceed with caution and must give way following the rules for uncontrolled intersections.

Roundabouts are called traffic circles in some parts of the world. When entering an Australian roundabout, you must give way to all vehicles approaching from your right- that is, all vehicles already on the roundabout. When approaching, indicate your intended final direction with turn signals, and then indicate left just before exiting.

Give way signs indicate that you must yield to all other traffic in the intersection except those also controlled by a give way or stop sign (when two vehicles are controlled by the same type of sign, the give way rules apply). Stop signs indicate that you must come to a complete stop before giving way.

Trams and buses have right of way in many circumstances, so it is always a good idea to let them go about their business. Many buses will display a red and green “give way to buses” sign. Of course, all drivers must give way to police and emergency vehicles when they are displaying flashing lights or sounding an alarm.

Uncontrolled intersections (give way rules): Vehicles turning left into side roads have right of way over vehicles turning right, but in most other situations you give way to your right, and turning vehicles give way to those continuing along the same road.

Pedestrian crossings, where not controlled by traffic lights, are marked by white stripes on the road and may also have a pedestrian crossing sign or flashing yellow lights. You must give way to pedestrians on these crossings.

Of course, there are exceptions, amendments and additions to all of these guidelines- but remembering these basic concepts is a great start; as always, you should drive with caution.

Indicators and lights

The indicators (signals) are usually found to the right of the steering wheel and are used to indicate a change in direction. This includes turning onto a new road/leaving the continuing road, changing lanes, entering the road from a stationary position, and making a U-turn. Five seconds is the recommended amount of time to signal intentions before changing direction, where possible. Indicating signals your intentions but does not oblige other drivers to change theirs, so you must always make sure the way is clear before changing direction. Headlights must be used after dark or in situations of reduced visibility, and all headlights and tail lights must be working properly.

Overtaking

Passing other vehicles is sometimes necessary due to the different speeds at which people are comfortable travelling (within the legal limits of course). As Australians drive on the left, overtaking is done on the right.

A driver must not overtake a vehicle unless it is safe to do so. This means that there must be a clear view of the road ahead, and plenty of clear space in which to overtake. Overtaking is forbidden where there is a continuous (unbroken) line on your side of the centre, or where the vehicle ahead is showing intent to turn right.

Seatbelts

All occupants of the car must wear seatbelts at all times when it is moving, or stationary but not parked. Children must be restrained in suitable child restraints which may mean infant carseats or booster seats. It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure seatbelts or appropriate restraints are worn by any passengers under the age of sixteen.

Road signs

As with the road rules, road signs in Australia are regulated by state, not federal, government. However, crossing state lines should not be confusing as the majority of road signs are standard across the country, and they are designed to be clear and easy to interpret using globally understood colour themes and symbols.

Speed limit signs

Standard speed limit signs have black figures on a white background, enclosed in a red circle. End speed limit area signs are black and white, and more information may be included on a placard beneath the speed limit- for example, where there is a school zone or children crossing zone. Speed derestriction signs are a white circle with a black diagonal bar, and these indicate that the default speed limit applies. A black circle and figures on yellow with “AHEAD” underneath signals an upcoming speed limit zone.

Stop and give way

The Australian stop sign is the universally-recognised red hexagon with “STOP” written in white. A stop sign with three black dots down the middle indicates that you should stop when the upcoming traffic lights are off or flashing.

Give way signs are white triangles edged in red, with “GIVE WAY” on them in black. Black and white square signs with simple symbols and text indicate where you must give way to trams, cyclists and livestock.

Prohibited

A red circle with a red diagonal bar across it indicates where you are not allowed to perform a particular action. They are used for no parking, no left or right turns, no pedestrians, no u-turns and more.

Warning signs

Black and yellow diamond-shaped signs warn of upcoming hazards or possible hazards. They generally sport symbols including forked roads, kangaroos and other animals, pedestrian crossings, slippery surfaces, steep roads, railway crossings, one lane bridges and more. They may also indicate a speed limit change due to the hazard.

Directional

Signs which tell you where to go vary in colour, but green and yellow are commonly used. Rectangular green signs with white writing and yellow highway numbers tell you what’s ahead and how far away it is. Brown is often used to indicate points of interest.

Parking

It is in Australia’s cities and at the most popular tourist attractions that parking can become an issue. Outside of the busier areas, there is plenty of space to park by the side of the road or in a carpark (parking lot). Within them, regulatory signs are important and can prevent you getting an infringement notice.

Paying to park

Private parking buildings are common in the bigger cities like Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth. Prices range hugely depending on the location and can get very expensive in the city centres- as much as $40 for a day’s parking in premium carparks. Wilson Parking and Secure Parking are the biggest nationwide parking companies, so keep an eye out for their logos.

Metered on-street parking is another way you might have to cough up for parking in urban centres. If you spot a roadside park, check all signs and curbs in the area to make sure there are no meters.

Parking restrictions

The ubiquitous green “P” is used to show areas where parking is allowed, along with an indication of any restrictions. There may be a time limit (2P means two hours and so on), a specified time of day where parking is allowed, and arrows to show the area to which the sign refers. “NO PARKING” signs are white with red lettering.

You may not park on a cycle track, in a tram or bus lane during its hours of operation, on double yellow lines, in front of driveways, on verges or pavement, on a pedestrian crossing, on private land or in a marked disabled parking bay (unless you have a permit).

Some quirks of Australian driving

Melbourne and hook turns

A hook turn is a driving maneuver specific to the city of Melbourne in Victoria, and made necessary by the tram network. It is performed only at intersections controlled by traffic lights. You will be notified of an upcoming hook turn intersection by a black and white sign which says “RIGHT TURN FROM LEFT ONLY.” If you see one of these and are intending to turn right, move to the left lane (yes, it’s counterintuitive). Use your right indicator to signal intention. When the light goes green, move forward to the other side of the intersection, still keeping left as far as possible and clear of any pedestrian crossings. When the light for the direction in which you are turning turns green, turn right and drive through the green light to continue.

Outback driving

The Outback, Australia’s vast and largely arid interior, is an incredible and unmatched region of red-tinged landscapes, endless highways, unique wildlife and sparse but welcoming civilisation. Here are a few important pointers for a road trip there:

● There are many unsealed roads in the Outback. Check with the rental company whether your rental contract allows you to drive on them- you don’t want to be caught out with a void insurance agreement! If necessary, hire a 4X4 which will handle all the terrain you might find.
● Towns are few and far between, as are petrol stations. You could drive for hours without seeing one, so make sure you stock up on petrol, water and food whenever you get the chance.
● Fatigue is a concern, especially on the long, straight roads. Check in with yourself frequently and decide whether you need to stop and stretch or sleep.
● Mirages are imaginary bodies of water which appear on the road or in the desert. If it hasn’t been raining, it’s unlikely that what you are seeing is real, so don’t panic.
● Get yourself set up with a mobile phone and an Australian sim card before you hit the road. You will need to have a means of communication in case of a breakdown or an emergency.
● Watch out for wildlife! Snakes, kangaroos, wallabies, emus and even livestock can occasionally wander into the path of vehicles. Do your best to avoid hitting the big ones- a kangaroo can cause major damage to you and your car.
● Do not swerve sharply for birds and smaller animals. It is best to avoid driving at dusk and dawn as this is when visibility is low and animals are most active.
● Don't leave the main road unless you are sure of where you’re going and are prepared for the possibility of getting lost.
● The heat can be a killer in central Australia. Drink plenty of water and make sure your vehicle is always well stocked with it. Don't attempt anything active during the hottest (middle) part of the day.
● Road trains are enormous trucks, some weighing close to 200 tonnes and with up to three or four trailers behind the truck cab. To overtake one of these, you will need at least two and a half kilometres of clear space in front of you- it’s best to wait for an overtaking lane. Be aware that these monsters have a very long stopping distance!

Highways and byways

Highway systems

Currently, the naming system of Australia’s highways is a bit of a hodgepodge as the old system is transitioned out and the new one comes in. Here are the old and new systems:

National Highways

These are the main connective routes of Australia. They are signposted with green and yellow shields, and the backbone of the national system is Highway One which loops around the edges of the mainland and transects Tasmania.

National highway numbers are being phased out across most Australian states in favour of a new alphanumeric system, but in practice the signage and names of routes are still in use in some places, as are the older National Routes which are marked with black and white shields.

State routes

Important inter-regional routes and urban roads are part of the State Route system, and marked with blue and white shields. Numbering schemes vary from state to state and while they are also being phased out, you may still see the blue shields, especially in Melbourne.

Alphanumeric routes

The new and more streamlined highway system in Australia is an alphanumeric one. The new system marks roads with a letter denoting their grade and a number which is often one inherited from the old systems. “M” indicates a primary traffic route, a dual carriageway which is at or near freeway-standard. “A” routes are other primary highways and urban arterials. They include interregional single carriageways. “B” routes are less significant roads which are not used as major through-routes, and “C” indicates a minor road linking small settlements and towns to the network.

Tolls

The only toll roads to be found in Australia are within the urban limits of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and are administered by their separate states.

Melbourne’s toll roads are the CityLink, which connects three of the city’s major freeways, and the Eastlink, which connects three more. Both have different methods of payment, all done online before travel or up to 3 days after. A Melbourne Pass gives you unlimited travel on either road for up to 30 days, and you can always just use either road and wait for the rental company to pass on an invoice- but this will be the most expensive way to pay.
from eastlink.com.au

Sydneyhas a range of toll roads including the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Lane Cove Tunnel, the Eastern Distributor and several more. Charges depend on the time of day and the direction, and can be paid at myE-Toll. A casual pass can be set up to automatically deduct toll payments on all roads from your credit card.

Brisbanehas a system of five toll roads including the Gateway and Logan Motorways, the Go Between Bridge, Clem7 Tunnel and the AirportLink. To pay tolls, visit the Go Via website and set up a go viaroad pass to pay the toll within three days of travelling.

It is always a good idea to check with your rental company whether they have a system in place to make it easier for you to pay tolls.

Driving conditions

As a first-world, developed nation, Australia has some great and safe roads. Main highways and routes are well maintained with numerous rest areas and petrol stations. Sometimes toilets are available, sometimes they are not- so use one when you have the chance! For outback driving conditions, see the outback driving section.

As you head out into more remote areas, you may encounter smaller and sometimes poorly-maintained roads, as well as unsealed ones. Most rental companies do not allow non- 4WD vehicles to be driven on unsealed roads, apart from those under repair and short access roads which lead to an attraction, national park or accommodation. Check the conditions before you pick up your car and plan accordingly.

Restricted roads

● There are some roads and regions which are expressly forbidden by many rental contracts. Here are a few of the most common restrictions:
● Some contracts do not allow vehicles to be taken into the Northern Territory, Tasmania or Western Australia, depending on where the pickup point is.
● Above the snow line (which only exists in Victoria, southern New South Wales and Tasmania).
● Any offshore island.
● The Cape York Peninsula in Queensland or parts of it.
● Around Mt Isa in Queensland.
● The Jim Jim Falls Road to Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls in the Northern Territory.
● The Gibbs River Road in Western Australia
● The Windjana Gorge Road in Western Australia

Bear in mind that there are many more which vary between rental companies- always check the restrictions for your specific rental contract.

Other Information

In case of emergency

The primary emergency number nationwide in Australia is triple zero- 000. This can be called from any mobile phone, fixed line or payphone. 112 is a secondary emergency number which works for GSM mobile phones and satellite phones, and 106 is another secondary number which connects to the text-based relay service for people with hearing or speech impairments. All calls to these numbers are free of charge, and can connect you to police, ambulance or fire services.

For police assistance in a non-emergency situation, call 131 444. This can be used to report crimes and make complaints.

Travel Information

Accredited Visitors Centres around the country are marked with a dark blue sign featuring a yellow “i.” Keep a lookout for these in towns and cities. They are staffed by local experts and are extremely helpful to tourists, offering booking services, regional maps and information. They are also often open seven days a week, and some benefit from a volunteer workforce who are keen to help visitors to their area make the most of their stay.

Visitor Information Outlets are marked with a light blue featuring a white “i.” They provide a more limited range of information and services and are often found within another business.

Sites and apps

Australia.com is the official Australian tourism website and a valuable source of information for anyone planning a visit. There are also official websites for each state and territory which are great resources:

In this modern age, apps make it easy to organise your travels. Here are a few of the best:

● There’s Nothing Like Australia is the official Australia Tourism app, and it’s a great way to start dreaming about your holiday with beautiful images, videos and stories to compliment travel information.
● Campin Australia can help you find campgrounds, hostels, rest areas, holiday parks and more. Great for travellers on a budget and those who like to rough it.
● The Airport Rentals app is your one-stop shop for car rentals in airports and cities across Australia. It’s a very handy tool for the planning stages of your holiday, and allows you to fly in and drive away with a pre-booked rental at a great price.
● A free Wi-Fi Finder is an essential app for any holiday. Lacking the comforts of your own home, you will appreciate the ability to track down Wi-Fi hotspots and stay in touch with friends and family back home- or continue your planning.

Airport Rentals wishes you a fun and safe road trip in stunning Australia!

General DisclaimerThis information is provided on a 'best intentions' basis. While we do our best to ensure the information is error free, we do not warrant its accuracy or adequacy for any intended purpose.

A guide to driving distances in Australia

Australia is a vast place - considered both a continent and an island, and covering 7,617,930 square kilometres (2,941,300 square miles). This huge space brings with it much variation, and those embarking on a road trip in Australia could come across sparkling cities, sleepy beach towns, lush rainforest, arid red desert, striking mountains and much more.

However, to see all there is to see, you’ll have to be prepared for driving some long distances. An Australia car rental will get you where you need to go, as long as you put in some good time at the wheel! Here’s our guide to what you can expect distance-wise from an Aussie road trip on some of the most popular itineraries for visitors. Have a look at our Australia driving guide too, for more tips on driving in the Land Down Under.

Popular road trips

The full tour: 14,000 kilometres, 200 hours

It’s hard to say what would be considered the “full tour” of Australia, but Highway One would certainly be near the top of the list. It is a network of roads which ring the country, and to travel the entire thing would be quite a feat - and an amazing way to see the highlights of Australia. Add in a short jaunt inland to see the vast emptiness that is the Outback, and you’ll have a very comprehensive road trip.

With a total length of more than 14,000 kilometres, it would take more than a month to complete the circuit - much more, if you did it at a leisurely pace! Some sections, such as the East Coast which is packed with cities and towns, might require less driving and more sightseeing, while other remote sections allow longer days on the road.

The Stuart Highway: 3,000 kilometres, 32 hours

For a real Outback adventure, the Stuart Highway is the way to go. Stretching from Darwin in the north to Adelaide in the south, it is an iconic route that will take at least a week to complete. Much of the highway runs through beautiful, desolate desert outback, so it is feasible to drive long distances and enjoy the trip from inside the car - there are very few towns to stop in!

This isn’t a road trip to be taken lightly. There are long stretches with no civilisation, so it’s essential to be well prepared. Plan your stops for the night in advance, ensure the car is always well supplied with petrol for the long distances between petrol stations, and stock up on food and emergency supplies in case you do find yourself stranded.

The East Coast Melbourne to Brisbane: 2,000 kilometres, 23 hours

For those who like a bit of civilisation mixed in with their stunning Australian nature, this well-travelled route makes for the perfect road trip. Stick to the coast to enjoy the beaches, national parks and beach towns which abound in this part of the country, and take time to explore the three big cities at the beginning, end and middle of the trip.

There is a lot to see along the way for this one, and plenty of interesting places to stop. We’d recommend spreading the 23 hours of driving time over ten days at least to take it all in!

Driving distances between cities

What many prospective Aussie road trippers want to know is how far and how long they’ll have to drive to get between two major locations. We’ve put together a list of distances from the major travel hubs around Australia.

Although you can make it a shorter journey by cutting inland, any visitor to the country will benefit from taking the longer coastal route which can be done in 2 days - though three or more would better allow for exploration. It passes through plenty of national parks, and we recommend doing it in summer so you can fully benefit from the laidback vibe of Australian coastal towns. Surf’s up!

Sydney to Brisbane: 950 kilometres, 10 hours

Head north from Sydney and towards sunny Queensland. This route hits a lot of hotspots: Newcastle and the Hunter Valley wine region, Coffs Harbour and the Gold Coast, land of surf beaches, high rises and amusement parks. It could be done in two days, but at least four are ideal.

Sydney to Cairns (coastal): 2,600 kilometres, 30 hours

The inland route is shorter, but the coastal route has more things to see and do - and more beaches! It also includes Brisbane and the Gold Coast, firm visitor favourites. If you’d like to experience some Outback action, take a detour inland at some point during the journey - preferably in Queensland. The 30 hours of driving can be done in four days, but we would recommend taking at least a week.

Sydney to Adelaide: 2,000 kilometres, 24 hours

This is another trip with a shorter inland route, but the coastal sights make it worth the extra time - as well as the chance to visit Melbourne. If you are keen to shave off some miles by heading away from the beaches, make sure you at least include the Great Ocean Road which stretches from Torquay to Warrnambool in Victoria. Four days to a week is our recommended timeframe!

Now this is one for those who prefer rivers and bush to ocean and beach! The 30 hours of driving should be spread over at least a week for ultimate road trip enjoyment. Stop in and enjoy a beer with the locals at outback pubs, detour to stately Adelaide and marvel at the underground houses in Coober Pedy.

Sydney to Perth: 4,000 kilometres, 40 hours

The distance and times above are for the fastest route between Sydney and Perth, but with a few small detours you could call in to Adelaide and Canberra along the way, or head towards Albany, Esperance and the lovely Rainbow Coast area. It’s best to make a journey out of this cross-country road trip and take at least ten days!

This journey could be done in 2 long days of driving, but we highly recommend at least three shorter ones to allow more sightseeing time. Although the inland route is quicker, it would be criminal to miss the scenic Great Ocean Road which stretches along the coast of Victoria between Torquay and Warrnambool.

Melbourne to Canberra: 660 kilometres, 7 hours

You can experience a bit of Victoria and New South Wales’ rural charm with this road trip which heads inland from Melbourne and through Albury to Canberra, the nation’s capital. It’s easily completed in a day, but two will allow more time to enjoy the journey.

Melbourne to Perth: 3,700 kilometres, 39 hours

Although there is a slightly shorter route which heads directly from Melbourne to Adelaide, it would be silly to stay away from the Victoria Coast and the Great Ocean Road. From Adelaide, take the quickest route which skirts the Great Australian Bight, a stunning stretch of coast. If you’re up for a detour, follow the signs to Esperance and Albany and then spend some time in the Margaret River wine region before continuing to Perth. We recommend setting aside at least a week!

Take at least four days for this beautiful journey which covers much of the Queensland coast. Highlights along the way include the Sunshine Coast, Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Mackay, the Whitsundays region, Townsville and the many national parks you’ll pass through. Head a little beyond Cairns for the Daintree Rainforest!

Brisbane to Darwin: 3,500 kilometres, 38 hours

Prepare to turn up the heat with this outback road trip! You can begin by heading up the coast towards Gladstone then turning inland, or just go west straight from Brisbane. There aren’t too many towns along the way, but plenty of gorgeous wide open spaces for that road trip feeling. You’ll join the famous Stuart Highway for the last run into Darwin, past Kakadu National Park. We recommend setting aside 6 days or a week!

Brisbane to the Gold Coast: 80 kilometres, 1.5 hours

This is a path well-travelled by visitors to Australia and is doable as a day trip, although many choose to spend a few days exploring the buzzing Gold Coast. The short drive will soon see you amongst amusement parks, surf beaches, high-rise apartments and all the entertainment options your heart could desire.

This route really showcases Western Australia! We have based the times and distances on the Highway One route which doesn't stray too far from the Indian Ocean, but for the sake of adventure it might be a good idea to take an inland detour and visit some of the red-gold landscapes which this side of the country does so well.

Perth to Adelaide: 3,200 kilometres, 33 hours

Take Highway One for this trip too, as it includes some of southwest Australia’s treasures: the Margaret River wine region, the Rainbow Coast around Albany, the endless cliffs lining the Great Australian Bight. It’s a stunning drive between these two great cities, and we would suggest you take at least 5 or 6 days to enjoy it.

Perth to Darwin: 4,000 kilometres, 43 hours

The fastest route for this road trip heads inland through Western Australia and its gold mining towns like Mount Magnet, hitting the coast between Port Hedland and Broome and then turning away from the ocean again to travel into the Northern Territory. At 43 hours, it would take at least a week of decent driving - more if you would like to take a more coastal road.

We hope that the above summaries are helpful as an aid to planning an unforgettable Australian road trip! To get things started, Airport Rentals can help you out with a rental car from any major travel hub (and many of the smaller ones too):